Authorities say someone could be helping fugitive

Nancy A. YoussefSun Reporter

Baltimore County police have consulted behavioral experts, FBI profilers,friends, family and associates to help them understand -- and find -- JosephC. Palczynski.

Yet, after an intensive, six-day search for Palczynski, they say they arebattling unfavorable terrain and a suspect who had apparently made painstakingpreparations to survive in the woods and wetlands of eastern Baltimore County.

"He is our Eric Rudolph," said Baltimore County Police Chief Terrence B.Sheridan, referring to the suspect in several bombings who is believed to havebeen hiding in the mountains of North Carolina since 1998.

At the beginning of the search for Palcyznski -- who is accused of killingfour people, shooting another and kidnapping his estranged girlfriend --authorities called him "volatile, violent and unpredicable." They are nowadding "smart and daring."

Palczynski, who has received a diagnosis of mental illness, grew up ineastern Baltimore County and is known to be familiar with the woods and marshyparkland that covers much of the area.

Authorities say Palczynski probably has made plans to stay outside for along time. He reportedly possesses a .22-caliber handgun, a knife, campinggear, food and a portable television, and is determined not to go to jail.

Authorities think he has help.

"It is really hard for me to comprehend that he has been at this this longwithout some help and/or preparation," Sheridan said.

Sheridan called the Essex-Middle River area where Palczynski is believed tobe hiding "a rural area that is difficult to police." For the officers'safety, the search has been limited largely to daylight. At night, police haveresponded to hundreds of possible sightings throughout the county.

Yesterday, after combing part of a 95-square-mile area where they believePalczynski is hiding, police found clothing and other items indicating thatsomeone had been sleeping in the woods, Sheridan said. They are evaluatingthat evidence.

"We are going to find him," Sheridan said. "It is just a matter of time."

Authorities acknowledge the difficulty of the search, which is being calledthe largest of its kind in county history.

Though the county experienced 30 homicides and 26 arrests last year, mostof those investigations were centered in more developed areas. About half ofthe county is wooded.

Police say criminals often tell someone where they are or what they did.But so far, police say, they have not spoken with anyone who has acknowledgedtalking with Palczynski about his whereabouts.

An Essex native who grew up next door to him said she is not surprised thathe apparently is remaining in the area and relying on his outdoors skills toelude police.

The woman, who asked not to be identified out of concern for her safety,said Palczynski told her three weeks ago that he would rather die than go tojail, and that he had made plans to escape if he was arrested again. She saidshe watched him bury money, equipment and ammunition in Gunpowder Falls StatePark.

"He can live in the woods forever," the woman said. "He'll eat grass if hehas to."

Police continue to follow every lead, responding to calls from residentswho believe they've seen Palczynski at a bar, in their back yard, walkingalong the street.

"This is not the place for a 31-year-old, white. 5-foot-9-inch, 180-poundman wearing a camouflage jacket these days," said Sgt. John Cullum, whosupervises the 911 dispatch center. "You are going to be stopped."